Some Signs You Have Sensitive Skin

Are you suspicious that you might have sensitive skin? Physical signs like redness, dryness, breakouts, and rashes could determine whether or not your skin is, in fact, sensitive—and if it is, youmay be among 70% of the population who has sensitive skin. Since this condition is so common, there is a lot of awareness as well as plenty of new solutions and products that have been developed to address these needs, such as vegan makeup for sensitive skin.

And while that news may be comforting, you may have landed here because you are searching for relief or you’re worried about your skin being so sensitive. Don’t worry, though: soon you will be more equipped to take care of and relieve your sensitive skin, and you will have more knowledge on how to avoid triggering sensitive skin symptoms. Not only are we going to cover sensitive skin symptoms, but we will also talk about what could be causing sensitive skin, as well as how using clean skincare products can help soothe, calm, and protect your skin. 

Common Symptoms and Signs of Sensitive Skin

There are several symptoms associated with having sensitive skin, as well as symptoms that may not appear physically. Here are some common occurrences that could mean you have sensitive skin: 

• Reactive Skin –If your skin gets red, change colors, tingle, or hurt when you apply new products,  even with products on the milder side like moisturizers.
• Acne-Prone Skin – Breakouts or get pimples can be a sign of sensitive skin, however acne doesn’t always point to sensitive skin issues since there are a variety of reasons for breakouts. 
• Sun-Sensitive Skin – If you find yourself sunburning easily or feeling pain on your skin during prolonged sun exposure. 
• Skin Disorders – If you currently suffer from skin disorders like eczema, hives, psoriasis, and others.
• Peeling, Dry, or Flaky Skin – If your skin peels or flake often, or if it always feels dry and tight. 

How Did I Get Sensitive Skin? 

Everyone’s skin is different. Some people are born with sensitive skin, while others may develop sensitive skin over time. If you’re finding that your skin has just recently started showing signs that it’s sensitive to certain products, sun exposure, or other elements, it’s a  good idea to take a close look at factors in your life that could exacerbate any skin issues you are having. If you are concerned with how your skin is acting, you should always visit a dermatologist to rule out any serious skin issues. Dermatologists may also be able to help you understand some of the concerns you’re having. 

Events That Can Cause Sensitive Skin 

• Over Exposure to Sun – Your skin will adapt to your environment, but sometimes harsh chemicals or UV rays can break down your skin’s barrier and cause it to be sensitive. If you didn’t apply sunscreen but got a little extra sun, your skin may be feeling the effects of overexposure. Having a severe sunburn on your face can not only cause permanent damage but could alter the way your skin adapts over time. 
• Allergic Reaction – If you are trying a new product that you have an allergic reaction to, your skin could become more sensitive than it has been in the past. Certain allergic reactions like contact dermatitis can permanently change the skin and alter its resilience. 
• Using Skincare Products that Don’t React Well With Each Other – What does your skincare routine currently look like? Have you researched the ingredients in the products you use on top of each other? If you notice your skin feeling and looking sensitive after using a new product, it’s worthwhile to do some digging on the ingredients. Certain skincare products have ingredients that can either cancel out other ingredients or cause a bad reaction when combined. 
• Genetics – If your skin has been sensitive since before you can remember, you could have inherited sensitive skin from a family member. For example, people who have lighter hair and fairer skin are usually more susceptible to sun damage and have adverse reactions to over-exposure. This trait could have been passed on to you. 

How to Take Care of Sensitive Skin

If you’re in search of relief, we have some suggestions that will help you and your sensitive skin feel its best: 

• Wear Sunscreen – Whether your skin is sensitive to the sun or burns easily, it’s critical to wear sunscreen in order to protect your skin’s natural barrier. This not only prevents you from burning in the sun, but helps repair and protect your skin from other damaging elements.
• Invest in Clean Beauty – Using clean beauty products ensures that your skin isn’t exposed to toxic and harmful skincare ingredients that might be lurking in some of your favorite products. Clean beauty products are made without ingredients like formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and other chemicals that can aggravate your skin. There is also greater transparency around ingredients used in clean beauty, which makes it easier to invest in products that you know will play nice with your skin. 

• Keep a Skin Journal – It’s important to note any changes that you might experience with your skin. When you try out a new product or you see your skin reacting in a different way to something you’ve used before, jot it down so you can identify what may have influenced your skin. This can help you avoid aggravating products and ingredients. 

• Patch Test New Products – Before you apply any kind of new product on your skin or your face, conduct a patch test to see if your skin reacts negatively. You can do this by placing a small dot of the product on the inside of your wrist and checking to make sure there are no adverse reactions. 

• See Your Dermatologist – We strongly urge you to see a dermatologist if your skin concerns continue or you want to learn about the best skincare routine for your specific needs. 

So, if you have sensitive skin, not all is lost! There are many proactive steps you can take to address these issues.  Your skin will be thanking you for implementing these care tips and paying closer attention to potential reactivity.